Director of Conservation Partnerships

National Wildlife Federation•,

1d•$85,000 - $100,000•Remote

About The Position

The Director of Conservation Partnerships (DCP) is a dynamic leader, strategist, and relationship manager who strengthens collaboration between the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), its state and territorial affiliates, and external partners. The role supports the Federation’s shared conservation goals by improving communication, alignment, organizational capacity, and collaboration at local, state, regional, and national levels. The DCP reports to the Associate Vice President of Affiliate Partnerships and works closely with other DCPs, Affiliate Partnerships staff, and NWF advocacy, program, and development teams. The DCP cultivates and maintains relationships with a cohort of affiliate organizations; connects affiliates with NWF expertise, resources, funding opportunities, and one another; and convenes stakeholders to design and advance shared initiatives. The position also advises and coaches affiliate leaders, boards, and staff on organizational health, governance, strategy, financial management, and sustainability. Working with affiliate and NWF leadership, the DCP helps address growth challenges, supports campaigns and fundraising, and evaluates affiliate capacity and operational alignment before new initiatives or awards are finalized. This is a fully remote position. Candidates must reside in or in a state adjacent to the Northeastern or Mid-Atlantic United States, within the region from Maine to North Carolina. Periodic travel to affiliates and national or regional meetings is expected, averaging 5–8 days per month and 30–60 nights per year. The position involves primarily remote work, extended screen time, and participation in virtual meetings. The salary range is $85,000–$100,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Requirements

Demonstrated proficiency building and maintaining authentic partnerships with diverse individuals and organizations.
Strong communication skills to maintain consistent, clear, and accessible communication across organizational levels.
Experience working with nonprofit organizations and a deep understanding of nonprofit governance, operations, communications, and fundraising principles.
Ability to manage work independently and proactively identify opportunities and solutions.
Well-developed strategic thinking and prioritization skills, including the ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously.
Educational background and/or professional experience providing a foundation in environmental, environmental justice, and/or conservation principles and practices, through conservation, science, public policy, or a related field.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Competencies typically consistent with at least ten years of professional experience.
Executive-level emotional intelligence to navigate multiple business relationships, governance structures, sensitive personnel challenges, and state-level political cultures.
Adaptability to tailor relationship and support models to affiliates’ size, capacity, and maturity.
Conflict mediation and advocacy skills to manage policy tensions while preserving affiliate autonomy and national alignment.
Commitment to equity and responsibility to people who are most marginalized.
Empathy and strong social skills in team-oriented work and interpersonal interactions.
Willingness to seek feedback, direction, and guidance from team members and keep staff informed about decisions that affect them.
Passion for and commitment to NWF’s mission and values.
Ability to understand, analyze, and apply complex information, policies, and concepts.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, solve problems, and make decisions amid ambiguity or competing priorities.
Ability to maintain focus and sustained attention while managing multiple tasks or workstreams.
Ability to listen, interpret, and respond appropriately in discussions with colleagues, leadership, and external stakeholders.
Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings.
Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, monitors, telephones, and video conferencing tools.
Ability to communicate and exchange information in person, by telephone, and through electronic or virtual platforms.
Ability to read, review, and produce written and electronic documents, including during prolonged use of computer screens.
Ability to move within an office or remote work environment to access files, meetings, or equipment as needed.
Must reside in or within an adjacent state to the Northeastern or Mid-Atlantic United States, within the geographic region extending from Maine to North Carolina.
Periodic travel is expected: approximately 5–8 days per month and 30–60 nights per year.

Nice To Haves

Experience facilitating coalitions or networks is highly prized.

Responsibilities

Cultivate and maintain partnerships with a cohort of NWF affiliate organizations to advance collective Federation goals.
Ensure two-way communication between NWF and affiliates, communicate affiliate needs to national teams, and integrate internal program teams into affiliate networks.
Connect affiliate staff with NWF subject-matter experts, scientific resources, and federal policy teams to support informed conservation advocacy.
Facilitate affiliate-to-affiliate partnerships, collaborative conservation initiatives, and peer learning.
Identify funding opportunities and shared national-state funding options to support joint initiatives and build affiliate capacity.
Convene NWF stakeholders across departments and program teams with affiliates to co-design initiatives that address shared priorities.
Support or lead regional, programmatic, or operational affiliate convenings, including ad hoc or standing committees and work groups.
Advise and coach affiliate leaders, boards, and staff on organizational health, board development, strategic planning, prioritization, and financial management.
Help affiliates navigate governance standards, board practices, and organizational sustainability through best practices and capacity-building opportunities.
Maintain an appropriate presence in affiliate states and attend virtual and in-person staff, committee, and board meetings, public events, and relevant coalition and external partner meetings.
Facilitate communication between NWF board members and affiliates, cultivate diverse board recruitment pipelines, and support affiliate participation in NWF governance and annual leadership meetings.
Develop approaches to address affiliate priorities, increase capacity, and identify joint conservation opportunities.
Work with affiliate and NWF leadership to address growth challenges, providing strategic consulting and support for campaigns, fundraising, strategic planning, equity and justice integration, and operational scaling.
Evaluate affiliate capacity before new program initiatives, grant awards, or sub-awards are finalized to support operational alignment and mitigate performance risks.
Build trusted relationships and connect people, expertise, resources, and opportunities to increase the effectiveness of the Federation.
Strengthen collaboration and coordination across national teams by increasing understanding of affiliate priorities, capabilities, needs, and opportunities.

Benefits

Vacation accrual starting at three weeks for a full-time schedule.
Unlimited wellbeing time for personal or family physical, spiritual, emotional, cultural, religious, or financial wellbeing.
Half-day Fridays and 11 holidays.
Paid winter break from December 25 through January 1.
Up to 16 weeks of fully paid Family and Medical Leave.
Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance options; outpatient mental health care covered at in-network rates.
Therapist available at no cost.
Pet insurance and discount perk program.
Annual wellbeing allowance.
Retirement plan with immediate matching and vesting.
Annual year-end retirement contribution.
Tuition reimbursement.
Adoption and surrogacy assistance.
Pet adoption stipend.
Student loan management support.
Flexible scheduling and a family-friendly atmosphere.